Screw-in Post

ABSTRACT

A fence post, fence pole, pole or other vertical member that can be set into soil simply by screwing it in. The invention can use a flat spaces on the post, an eye for a T-bar, a shaft for a powered auger, or any other way of gripping the post to screw it into the ground. The base of the post includes a tapered, threaded portion shaped like a large sheet metal screw.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fence posts and more particularly to a screw-in fence post.

Description of the Prior Art

Fence posts are well-known in the art. Prior art fence posts are typically set in holes dug by post-hole diggers and the like. Some prior art fence posts are mounted on concrete bases with bolts or other fasteners. In any case, elaborate preparation and many times special tools are needed to set prior art fence posts. I would be particularly advantageous to have a fence post that could be set into most soils simply by screwing it in.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fence post, fence pole, pole or other vertical member that can be set into soil simply by screwing it in. The invention can use a flat spaces on the post, an eye for a T-bar, a shaft for a powered auger, or any other way of gripping the post to screw it into the ground. The base of the post includes a tapered, threaded portion shaped like a large sheet metal screw.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Attention is now drawn to figures that illustrate features of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows alternate shafts that provide different ways of turning the shaft of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment where the foot diameter equals the shaft diameter.

Several illustrations have been presented to aid in understanding the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a screw-in fence post. Turning to FIG. 1, an embodiment can be seen. A shaft 1 is connected to a tapered, threaded foot 2. The foot 2 can have many different types of threads, and different thread pitches can be supplied for different soils such as a fine pitch for very hard soils or rock and a wide, course or loose pitch for soft or wet soils. The shaft 2 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has a square key 3 that can be used with a T-bar or other bar to screw in the post.

FIG. 2 shows alternate embodiments of the shaft 1 with rectangular cross-section 6, flat sides 4 for gripping and a built-in handle 5. The embodiments with round shafts can also fit a powered auger.

The present invention can be used for any type of pole or post that needs to be set into the ground or soil and is not limited to fence posts. These include, but are not limited to, poles, even telephone poles, vertical construction members, barrier posts and any other post. Any type of screw-in pole or post is within the scope of the present invention. It is also not necessary that the post be screwed in vertically, but can also be used in a horizontal or other position such as a post used to secure to an embankment or cliff.

Some embodiments of the invention can have the foot diameter equal to the diameter of the shaft as shown in FIG. 3.

The post can be made from wood, metal, plastic or any other strong, rigid material.

Several descriptions and illustrations have been presented that aid in understanding the present invention. One with skill in the art will realize that numerous changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Each of these changes and variations is within the scope of the present invention. 

I claim:
 1. A fence post that includes: an elongated shaft attached to a tapered foot, the tapered foot being threaded, wherein the fence post is set into soil by screwing it in.
 2. The fence post of claim 1 further comprising a rectangular key at a proximal end of said shaft adapted to receive a bar.
 3. The fence post of claim 1 wherein said shaft is cylindrical.
 4. The fence post of claim 3 further comprising a pair of opposing flat areas on a proximal end of said shaft adapted to be gripped by a tool.
 5. The fence post of claim 1 wherein the shaft has a rectangular cross-section.
 6. The fence post of claim 1 wherein said foot has course-pitched threads adapted for softer soils.
 7. The fence post of claim 1 wherein said foot has fine-pitched threads adapted for harder soils or rock.
 8. The fence post of claim 1 wherein the tapered foot has a diameter the same as the shaft.
 9. A post or pole adapted to be set into soil comprising an elongated shaft attached to a tapered threaded foot adapted to be screwed into the soil.
 10. The fence post of claim 9 further comprising a rectangular key at a proximal end of said shaft adapted to receive a bar.
 11. The fence post of claim 9 wherein said shaft is cylindrical.
 12. The fence post of claim 11 further comprising a pair of opposing flat areas on a proximal end of said shaft adapted to be gripped by a tool.
 13. The fence post of claim 9 wherein the shaft has a rectangular cross-section.
 14. The fence post of claim 9 wherein said foot has course-pitched threads adapted for softer soils.
 15. The fence post of claim 9 wherein said foot has fine-pitched threads adapted for harder soils or rock.
 16. The fence post of claim 9 wherein the tapered foot has a diameter the same as the shaft.
 17. A method of providing a screw-in fence post comprising: providing an elongated shaft with a keyhole in a proximal end; providing a tapered foot on a distal end of the shaft, said tapered foot being threaded.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing a bar adapted to fit through said keyhole.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein said tapered foot has a fine pitch threading.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein said tapered foot has a course-pitch threading. 